There was no call, and the loss combined with Ales Kotalik’s game misconduct for his jersey coming off during a scrap with Stephane Veilleux clearly took its toll as the game wore on.

“We did get down to 10 forwards, and we’re playing a team that’s a pretty big club, too. And they’ve got some skill,” said Flames head coach Brent Sutter, who was forced to play people in situations they aren’t normally involved in.

“I thought it had a little bit of impact as we went on in the third period.”

Replays clearly show Bourque collecting a pass with his head down and backing toward the boards.

He had no idea Foster was about to spring from the sin bin, and hadn’t yet turned up the ice to make a play when he was hit blindly.

His head snapped back, but no official word has come from the team as to what Bourque’s status is for Tuesday’s game in Ottawa against the Senators — the final stop on their road trip.

“He’s got the puck right in front of the penalty box, just about to get it and turn up and the guy jumps out of the box and hits him,” said Sutter, who was calm but couldn’t help but wonder why the injury had to happen.

“I suppose you finish your check, but he’s coming out looking at his numbers, too.